Kai Sotto joins Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League. –HIROSHIMA INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto landed in Hiroshima on Wednesday to officially begin his stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.
In posts on Instagram, the Dragonflies showed their excitement with the arrival of the 7-foot-2 big man.
“I just got here in Hiroshima. I can’t wait to meet and see everybody and I can’t wait to play for this team and for the city,” said Sotto in an Instagram video.
The Gilas Pilipinas member looks to make an impact for Hiroshima, which is currently the third seed in the B.League’s West District division with a 28-10 record.
The Dragonflies are no strangers to having a Filipino import, already having fielded La Salle’s Justine Baltazar last year before they parted ways in December.
Sotto walked away from Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) earlier this month, after missing out on a playoff appearance with the Adelaide 36ers.
In over 50 games for Adelaide, Sotto posted norms of 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per outing.
As of writing, Hiroshima has not yet stated when Sotto will be playing his first game in a Dragonflies’ uniform.
Sotto’s arrival in Japan also confirmed his withdrawal from Gilas Pilipinas’ lineup for the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian qualifiers happening this week.
Gilas will have to make do without Sotto in their games against Lebanon and Jordan on Friday and Monday, respectively, with all games happening at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.